New spider owners in Va

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YourNameHere

New spider owners in Va

Post by YourNameHere »

Hello all,
So i was looking through craigs list, like you do... Not really expecting to find anything, and even if i did I'm not really going to buy anything cause Ive got a 72 Karmann Ghia im working on already... To make a long story short...

Yesterday the Spider arrived.

My son has 10 months till he can get his permit. So now we have a project. Its been a long time since he was excited about doing anything with me. Having a cool car to work on seems to have made me a lot cooler. Yesterday he talked to me more than in the last several months combined. :D Seems dad isn't all bad after all.

So enough about me, what about this Spider huh?
1978, the previous owner had the car about 6 months. After the steering damper/idler broke off, they decided to sell instead of fix. So there is that. It needs a new top, as the old one has holes and leaks badly. It hasnt rained much in the last 6 months, untill this week when it was constant for days... So im drying it out now. The interior is ratty but usable for now, the engine seems strong, and the transmission seems good, but ill have a better report of that once we fix the steering.

I took a chance on a car we couldn't test drive, but for $700 hey... looking at the title (it lists what was paid in sales tax) i was able to figure that the Previous Owner had paid $1,800 six months ago.

So we're really excited about having this car. Really excited to work on it. I hadn't realized that my son had no idea what a Fiat was... Well now he does, and one of his major concerns about the car... Rust? Steering? Breaks? Nooooo... Badges! It needs new badges! These ones dont say Fiat anymore.

Ill put up some pics either later today or tomorrow.
The only bad news is ill be putting my Karmann Ghia into storage for a while... which is an indicator in itself about how much we love this car.

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So Cal Mark

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by So Cal Mark »

welcome. I don't think I've ever seen a Spider in that shade of green. That's a very good buy, especially if it only needs a top and idler arm
Danno

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by Danno »

Sweet! I like the green. you are a cool dad, lol!
mbouse

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by mbouse »

Dad, can i borrow the keys to the car?

har har..

welcome.
YourNameHere

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by YourNameHere »

Thanks

Yeah its been painted so who knows what thats hiding. But we both like the green even though its not a factory color.
There is some rust on the floor, and the engines not pretty...
we'll see how bad it gets when we get into it

Heres a few of the pics

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User avatar
launieg
Posts: 454
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:17 pm
Your car is a: 1981 spider 2000
Location: Duncan, BC, Canada

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by launieg »

Welcome from a newcomer to the forum. I like the green. I'm tending towards a green for mine, shade yet unknown.

My son is 19 now, but when he was 16, we bought a project Porsche 914 and even though we never finished it, just stripping it and sharing the passion was a terrific bond that we share even today. I applaud you, but make sure there is no pressure - just fun. For girls, it seems a horse is the way to keep them out of trouble. Talk about expense :roll:

Best to you and have fun.
Launie
'81 Spider Rolling Restoration
trippbannister

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by trippbannister »

where are you at in virginia?
Danno

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by Danno »

looks like ya got a leaky gasket. Your exhaust header seems to be oily.....
YourNameHere

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by YourNameHere »

Ive got girls too, but ive never worked on a horse before... they may be on their own there.

Im in the Richmond area.

Probably do have a leaky gasket... but theres no oil on the head at the moment, thats just more advanced rust that makes it look like that at the moment. I hope to have it cleaned up this weekend so i can see all the places the engine is currently spewing.
rlux4
Patron 2022
Patron 2022
Posts: 4211
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:32 pm
Your car is a: 1982 2000 Spider
Location: Granite Falls, Wa

Re: New spider owners in Va

Post by rlux4 »

Welcome to the forum. That is a great deal you got! My 18 YO son and I have spent many hours together working on my Spider and his Camaro. That and the golf course are our best times together. You guys should have some fun ahead of you with your Fiat.
Ron
Ron Luxmore
rlux2n2@gmail.com
'82 2000 Spider: after 26 years between Spiders.
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